Home » Here’s How Stolen American Cars Reportedly End Up Overseas

Here’s How Stolen American Cars Reportedly End Up Overseas

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The face of the stolen car game seems to be changing. While it’s still common for pilfered rides to be chopped up for spare parts, used in other crimes, or given fraudulent vehicle identification numbers and sold to unsuspecting buyers, recent reports claim that significant quantities of stolen cars are ending up overseas, often registered in countries stretched thin enough to turn a blind eye.

Since 2020, the number of vehicles stolen each year in America has been on the upswing, with the National Insurance Crime Bureau reporting that 1,020,729 vehicles were stolen in 2023. To be precise, that’s a 28.55 percent increase since 2019, and theft rates vary significantly by region. In 2023, DC topped the per-capita list, with 1,149.71 vehicles stolen per 100,000 people. While trends like stealing non-immobilized Kias with USB cables undoubtedly contributed significantly to this increase, a noteworthy proportion of those stolen cars were actually illegally exported.

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As Bloomberg reports, “About 10% of the cars stolen in the US today are smuggled overseas, according to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which runs a New Jersey-based task force that integrates the efforts of local and federal law enforcement and coordinates crackdowns up and down the East Coast.”

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In these cases, one a thief steals a car, it gets turned over to a middleman, who facilitates the export of the vehicle. It’s a brazen activity, with Bloomberg reporting that some of these middlemen even take orders for vehicles based on what dealers on the other end want. Along with popular mainstream crossovers, high-end luxury vehicles are also frequently targeted for export, with vehicles like the Range Rover and BMW X6 having outsized theft rates for model years 2020 through 2022, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

So how are thieves getting their hands on these vehicles? As we previously reported when car theft in Canada had grown intense enough to create global buzz, a variety of methods are used. Relay attacks, where thieves manipulate smart key signals to trick cars into thinking their proximity key fobs are nearby, and CAN injections, where thieves use devices to manipulate a vehicle’s onboard electronics, are recent theft techniques, but the former requires a conveniently placed fob and the latter may result in vehicle damage from accessing CAN lines. As a result, thieves have been resorting to more classic techniques, namely crimes of opportunity like hopping in an idling but unoccupied vehicle, and violence like carjacking.

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In July, an armed 18-year-old suspect allegedly tried to carjack a vehicle driven by part of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s security detail while the marshals were on the job. Back in December 2023, a 17-year-old suspect was charged with armed carjacking after an off-duty FBI agent was reportedly targeted. While early Council on Criminal Justice data suggests that carjacking incidents in 2024 were down nationwide by 26 percent over 2023, rates of car theft including carjacking still sit comfortably above 2023 levels.

In the case of carjackings, the criminal on the other side of the gun has a solid chance of being a teenager. As Council on Criminal Justice senior researcher Ernesto Lopez told NPR in December, “Compared to motor vehicle theft and robbery, juveniles do commit a higher rate of carjacking compared to those other offenses. So it’s not a uniquely juvenile phenomenon when you compare it to adults, but within the sphere of juvenile offending, it does appear to be pretty high.”

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We’ve seen this trend hit with a vengeance in Canada, with stolen vehicles flowing through the Port of Montreal to other global regions. Nearly a year ago, the Canadian Border Services Agency announced that it had seized 598 stolen cars from shipping containers waiting to be exported from the Port of Montreal between Dec. 2023 and April 2024, many of which came from the Greater Toronto Area. As CTV News reports, Ontario Provincial Police stated that some of these vehicles were stolen through violent means, whether carjacking or home invasions.

However, compared to the number of incoming containers inspected for illicit goods, relatively few containers for export are scanned. That Canadian bust came from a closer look into just 398 containers, and it’s a similar story in America. With thousands of shipping containers being exported every single day, not every one gets checked, and this inspection gap keeps the overseas stolen car trade flowing. So where are all these stolen cars going? Well, although smaller markets for ill-gotten high-end luxury cars exist in places like Dubai, many stolen and exported cars end up in Africa. As Bloomberg reports:

When stolen vehicles hit the streets there, overstretched local government agencies are unlikely to investigate if one on the road is legal, illegal or of dubious provenance, says Eleanor Beevor, senior researcher at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Beevor conducted a 2022 investigation of the stolen-car trade in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—countries where military coups took place in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. “If you are trying to run security for a particular town, you are not going to expend much energy running checks on making sure vehicles weren’t stolen thousands of miles away,” she says. “Conflicts have made it even less of a priority than it already was.”

While recent coups make clamping down on stolen vehicles in those nations more challenging, they aren’t the only regions in Africa to see significant quantities of stolen North American cars being sold as legitimate imports. In 2023, CBC News found multiple cars that were reported stolen in Canada yet living life in Ghana, and reported that some of them even still had their Canadian licence plates.

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Beyond some of these vehicles being stolen through violent means, these stolen cars go on to fund further criminal activity. As Bloomberg reports:

“Vehicle crime isn’t just about stolen cars,” says Valdecy Urquiza, secretary general for Interpol. “It’s about something far more complex, far more dangerous. It’s about organized crime using those stolen vehicles and parts as currency to fuel a network of illegal activities—from drug trafficking to human smuggling, from the arms trade to acts of terror.”

Let’s expand on that last point. There may be more to this than proceeds from stolen vehicles funding organized crime, as some stolen and exported vehicles are reportedly used by insurgents. As Bloomberg reports, militant groups in Central Sahel have an affinity for American full-sized pickup trucks as technicals. You know, trucks with heavy weapons on the back. I’m certainly questioning how common this is considering Toyota pickup trucks are more popularly used by militant groups and the handful of photos I’ve seen of F-150s with guns on them trace back to Mexico, but it seems at least somewhat plausible.

While overall car thefts seem to be coming down, no doubt in part due to Hyundai and Kia rolling out an immobilizer patch for their entry level vehicles of the past decade or so, criminal organizations fraudulently exporting stolen cars is something that needs to be fixed. It’s a hard problem to tackle, given that scanning more shipping containers for export will require equipment upgrades and new processes, but it’s not an insurmountable issue.

(Lead photo credit: Land Rover)

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Smith Benson
Smith Benson
21 days ago

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Dead Elvis, Inc.
Dead Elvis, Inc.
19 days ago
Reply to  Smith Benson

Is this the newest, most elite tier of Autopian membership – Illuminati spammer level?!

Last edited 19 days ago by Dead Elvis, Inc.
TXJeepGuy
TXJeepGuy
1 month ago

They can have my Grand Cherokee. Please.

Piston Slap Yo Mama
Piston Slap Yo Mama
1 month ago

I’ve got a subscription-based GPS tracker on my 1949 VW Beetle. If that car ever yeets off my property I’m going to promptly do a Jules from Pulp Fiction and “strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to steal my Beetle. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee.” Also known as violent retribution.

But that’s not my question. All my other cars have Apple Airtags with their little piezo beeper carefully razored off so only I know they’re there. Why the F isn’t everybody doing this to their valuable rolling assets?

Ana Osato
Ana Osato
1 month ago

Don’t think anyone wants the KDF-Wagen xD

Last edited 1 month ago by Ana Osato
Piston Slap Yo Mama
Piston Slap Yo Mama
27 days ago
Reply to  Ana Osato

Oh snap you pwned me.
Brutal.

Last edited 27 days ago by Piston Slap Yo Mama
Mechjaz
Mechjaz
1 month ago

How do we get them to steal the cybertrucks? There’s a strong synergy to be had here.

Piston Slap Yo Mama
Piston Slap Yo Mama
1 month ago
Reply to  Mechjaz

This is a severely underrated comment: Mazel tov.

Ramaswamy Narayanaswamy
Ramaswamy Narayanaswamy
1 month ago

I am pretty sure most Toyota trucks armed groups use have been stolen at some point. Similar thing applies to the GMT800 and 900 trucks used by some armed groups in the Middle East as technicals..

Vetatur Fumare
Vetatur Fumare
27 days ago

Maybe, but Toyota’s sales channel in Gibraltar also sells huuuuuge numbers of pickup trucks. To the UN and other aid agencies, but I am sure a large numbers go to other, shadier players.

https://www.toyota-gib.com/

Ramaswamy Narayanaswamy
Ramaswamy Narayanaswamy
27 days ago
Reply to  Vetatur Fumare

Gilbratar versions are still technically light duty versions. And they can suffer issues with abuse like any other truck. I think some prospective aid UN trucks likely get stolen and then end up in the hands of armed groups.

Interesting to note that Silveradoes and Sierras have also been converted to have huge rocket launchers, and the 2500 and 3500 versions especially seem to have NO ISSUES whatsover holding large anti-aircraft guns as opposed to the LC70s…
I would NOT be surprised if a substantially large chunk stolen Silveradoes/Sierras from dealers or individuals get sold through the black market and are secretively converted for military use…by militias….probably not all are shown on the Internet.

M SV
M SV
1 month ago

Europe has been plagued by this for years. But it probably doesn’t help that most of the imo and rf modules are bosch. As are a surprising amount of modules in cars. I suspect with Tesla, Rivan, and the Chinese different approach to can bus and modules and traditional OEMs looking at that and using them as suppliers it will be less of a problem in the future. But crime of opportunity and a new attack will be figured out.

It’s funny how a lot of the really interesting software to modify the more locked down systems has come from Ukraine. Need to fix your JD tractor Ukrainians have the fix. Need to make you Tesla go faster Ukraine has your back.

Just like there was a market for jail broken and rooted devices for various reasons cars are beginning to be in this territory. Sure there has always been module tuning and tuners but when your whole vehicle is basically software defined things change. You see the guys remotely adding packages to range rovers now including adding an additional 100hp. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they are the most targeted. The tool sets are available and it’s a known commodity. Never forget locks are to keep honest people out.

Chris D
Chris D
1 month ago
Reply to  M SV

I’m sure the additional 100HP does wonders for their transmissions… great info, thank you!

AlterId is disillusioned, but still hallucinating
AlterId is disillusioned, but still hallucinating
1 month ago

I get that this is problematic, but if it means we’ll never see another X6 in North America, it might be worth it. In fact, Congress needs to consider legislation mandating that all recent BMWs be parked with the doors unlocked and key fob left on the seat.

TurtleRacer427
TurtleRacer427
1 month ago

This. This right here.

Adrian Clarke
Adrian Clarke
1 month ago

Turn off your passive entry people. First thing I did when I had my Range Rover.

Rahul Patel
Rahul Patel
1 month ago

My RAM 1500 Limited was stolen from a hotel parking lot outside Houston. I researched after and learned how stupidly easy they are to steal. Oddly enough a traditional key and ignition cylinder is what you want. I’m convinced the hotel clerk was scoping vehicles too.

1978fiatspyderfan
1978fiatspyderfan
1 month ago

I think this article totally missed the fact that liberal AGs have made crimes of this nature as non violent and just keep releasing the criminal with no jail time in an effort to release statistics that crime is going down, when it is going up, because they have determined stealing a car isn’t a crime.

Livernois
Livernois
1 month ago

“…missed the fact…”

Good point. Because as we all know, liberal prosecutors can retroactivsly erase the data the police are required to compile. And the first thing your insurance company will tell you when your car is stolen is DO NOT call the police and insist on an official report because of the Illuminati conspiracy to inject Bill Gates’ 5G DNA monitoring chips in our fluoridated water.

I’ve heard Allstate will pay you 150% of Bluebook value if you don’t file a report that adds to the stats their Freemason masters don’t want released.

It’s not a conspiracy theory. It’s a FACT.

Michael Oneshed
Michael Oneshed
1 month ago

Is the librul prosecutor in the room with us now?

Dead Elvis, Inc.
Dead Elvis, Inc.
1 month ago

Show us on the doll where the liberal AG touched you.

Chris D
Chris D
1 month ago

Dumping on liberals is done by those who know the least about liberals. Their nonsense is believed by those who don’t care to know or think anything except what their TV network of choice tells them.

Dead Elvis, Inc.
Dead Elvis, Inc.
1 month ago
Reply to  Chris D

That particular commenter is giving off strong vibes of Mr. Sarcastic, who was banned or effectively run off for being virulently transphobic & an otherwise miserable prick. It may well be the same clown.

1978fiatspyderfan
1978fiatspyderfan
27 days ago

Excuse me if I have offended you for writing my opinion in a completely non offensive manner. I can only assume by your response that you have found success changing peoples opinions by bullying then, swearing at them and attacking them. I have actually tried to avoid the ever increasing attempts to politicizing the site in hopes it doesn’t fail like jalopnik. If you can please point out where I was in anyway offensive I will endeavor to avoid it in the future. In return all I ask is to be addressed respectfully as any member has a right.

Jnnythndrs
Jnnythndrs
21 days ago

I’ve been thinking the same thing for weeks. Same confused-boomer style and craptastic political idiocy.

Piston Slap Yo Mama
Piston Slap Yo Mama
1 month ago

These are the same liberals who do post-birth abortions? Perhaps also the same liberals who surgically transition Jimmy when he goes to grade school from a boy into a girl without parental consent, right?

Got it. (backs away slowly)

Scramblerken
Scramblerken
1 month ago

If you put eggs up your bum it’ll cure measles.

Urban Runabout
Urban Runabout
1 month ago
Reply to  Scramblerken

I did read that brain worms cure heroin addictions.
They just eat the cravings for you.

OttosPhotos
OttosPhotos
1 month ago

X6? So is that’s what’s keeping them afloat, they get stolen and someone buys a replacement.

BagoBoiling
BagoBoiling
1 month ago

I wonder what % of thefts are EVs? I can’t imagine the recipients of these stolen vehicles want them in 3rd world countries.
Kinda like how driving a stick these days prevents a lot of thefts as the thieves can’t drive them.

Hangover Grenade
Hangover Grenade
1 month ago

I would think that new cars could be bricked with an OTA update. That would show those crooks. Let the car get all the way to Africa, then get 500 feet from the port then poof. Dead.

1978fiatspyderfan
1978fiatspyderfan
1 month ago

Genius

Clupea Hangoverus
Clupea Hangoverus
1 month ago

Does the X6 have the hardware compatible with network, if yes, does the USDM car have a functioning cell ”plan” in Africa? If the car could even theoretically make the connection, then remove the sim or deactivate the modem software. Or yank the necessary bits off, if too difficult..

3WiperB
3WiperB
1 month ago

This is a problem that seems like it should be able to be solved with technology and AI, but I’m not sure how profit can be made doing it, so it probably won’t happen.

I got to sit in a CBP Semi X-ray facility a couple months ago and get a demo from the officers on what they look for while they were scanning a truck. But not every truck can be scanned, so it’s random or when extra inspection is warranted. But it seems like AI could do a first pass on these scans to maybe increase the throughput.

The other thing that surprises me is that with all the telematics on these vehicles, that they aren’t easier to track after being stolen. I was watching some program recently (I think it was Contraband – Seized at Sea) where they were able to track down a stolen Mercedes in a shipping container at a port based on the owner being able to track the car on a phone app and narrowed it down to a few containers. The container ended up having 4 cars in it under a bunch of mattresses and household goods.

Also, my metro area has cameras installed all over on the main roads call Flock cameras. If a vehicle is stolen or involved in some other crime with a known license plate, they get tracked in real time with these cameras. They’ve been really successful in narrowing down where high speed chases end up, without actively chasing them.

Jdoubledub
Jdoubledub
1 month ago
Reply to  3WiperB

As an importer those random x-ray scans are a pain in the butt because it delays delivery for an unknown amount of time AND they stick you with the bill for the x-ray.

3WiperB
3WiperB
1 month ago
Reply to  Jdoubledub

I didn’t realize that they stuck the company with the bill. That really sucks. I can see the delay being a major thing. I was also disturbed by the fact that the waiting room for the driver looks just like a holding cell too.

Griz
Griz
1 month ago
Reply to  3WiperB

We have those flock cameras, but they’re not just on main roads. There’s one next to my house, in a parking lot nearby and just about everywhere else. It sounds fine and innocent, even helpful, but they will eventually be used inappropriately. Social security numbers were originally (1930s?) promised to be used only for tracking earnings in order to pay out benefits, never to track you or tax you. By the time I die they will be used only to track and tax, not to give out anything. Just saying. Sounds good now, ends bad later. /pessimist.

3WiperB
3WiperB
1 month ago
Reply to  Griz

I don’t disagree. We are all being tracked with these little computers in our pockets too, and often it seems like they are listening too.

Pilotgrrl
Pilotgrrl
1 month ago
Reply to  Griz

Based on what’s been happening lately, I fear you’re correct.

Michael Beranek
Michael Beranek
1 month ago
Reply to  3WiperB

You’re dead on about the Flock Safety LPRs (license plate readers). Why chase the bad guy when you can just track him all the way to his neighborhood?
My town has about a half-dozen of them on the mall road in front of Lowe’s. Right across from the dispensary.

Dogpatch
Dogpatch
1 month ago
Reply to  3WiperB

FedEx has AI cameras in almost all their trucks and vans now that can read plates and from what I understand are either selling or sharing the data with Flock which in turn is selling the data to who knows?
They have had cameras for a long time but within the last 6 months have switched to the AI smart cameras.
So anytime they pull in to deliver they are filming you on your own property without you knowing.
Flock has had a huge amount of investment money pouring in. 500 million since 2018 so there’s gotta be big money being made selling data .

https://www.flocksafety.com/industries/law-enforcement

Michael Oneshed
Michael Oneshed
1 month ago
Reply to  Dogpatch

Hire nonunion labor, get what you get.

Kurt B
Kurt B
1 month ago

I’m pretty sure Nic Cage was in an informational video about this phenomenon back in 2000

Michael Beranek
Michael Beranek
1 month ago
Reply to  Kurt B

Now You Know!

BagoBoiling
BagoBoiling
1 month ago
Reply to  Kurt B

“All my friends know the low rider”

IRegertNothing, Esq.
IRegertNothing, Esq.
1 month ago
Reply to  Kurt B

How many times a day do you think Cage looks at his bank account and calls his agent to ask if he’s heard anything about the sequel: Gone In 60 More Seconds?

Fasterlivingmagazine
Fasterlivingmagazine
1 month ago

He’s been in about 2473 movies in the last couple years. He should be doing ok.

Col Hathi
Col Hathi
21 days ago

No. The sequel is called Gone in 60 Seconds the Second.

IRegertNothing, Esq.
IRegertNothing, Esq.
1 month ago

I don’t think our port security and export screening will be getting better any time soon, given the ongoing ransacking of the government. There should be plenty of opportunities to smuggle things in and out through ports of entry while Musk and his DOGEbags loot the place.

Michael Beranek
Michael Beranek
1 month ago

I expect all US government activity to grind to a halt, and soon.
Except for pregnant lady tracking. Gotta have that.

SNL-LOL Jr
SNL-LOL Jr
1 month ago

President Xi Jinping be like “who knew the Year of the Snake would be the most auspicious of them all? It’s totally worth another 10% of tariff”

Last edited 1 month ago by SNL-LOL Jr
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